SCCA News

Honouring Joop Burgerjon

It is with sadness and deep respect that we mourn the loss of a great friend and local conservationist, Joop Burgerjon.

Although Joop may be best known on the Coast his role in establishing, rehabilitating and maintaining Sargeant Bay Provincial Park, his lead role in the establishment of the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association was also pivotal. It was his patience and commitment as the chair of our Board of Directors in navigating the paperwork that led to the SCCA receiving it’s federal charitable status in 1997. His efforts were recognized in 2004 when he was awarded the John Hind-Smith award. An award that is given each year to a citizen of the Sunshine Coast who has shown a long and enduring service to the protection of local biodiversity and is recognized by their personal integrity, commitment to scientific accuracy, and ability to inspire others to appreciate and protect biodiversity. He also was recognized in 2013 with a Volunteer Legacy Award from BC Parks, and in 2014 was honoured at the Sunshine Coast Celebration of Excellence for a lifetime exemplary volunteer career in the field of Environmental Enhancement and Protection.

Joop was a terrific role model showing us all what a dedicated individual concerned about the environment is capable of accomplishing. He will be sorely missed.

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Last Updated: Monday, 08 June 2015 07:49

Summer 2014 Newsletter

Marbled Murrelet Recovery Strategy Proposed

On Jan 7th, 2014 the Ministry of the Environment's proposed strategy for the recovery of this small seabird was opened to public review. This review was brought about by a legal pressure from several environmental groups which challenged the long delays that have occurred in bringing forth these strategies for several species according to the requirements of the Species At Risk Act.

The marbled murrelet is reliant on old growth forests in our region, and on feeding grounds in our marine environment.

See the video of Glass Sponge Reefs presentation

If you missed the presentation on Glass Sponge Reefs delivered to SCCA members in October, you can now see the video which was shot by Sarama. Dr. Manfred Krautter, paleobiologist, and professor at the University of Stuttgart, Germany, delivered this talk in Sechelt.

Glass sponge reefs were thought to be extinct until, in 1987, living reefs were first discovered off the northern coast of B.C. in Hecate Strait. Further reefs were found later in Georgia Strait, off Sechelt.

Sarama is presently producing a documentary entitled "This Living Salish Sea". Both the larger northern colonies of these sponge reefs, in the Hecate Strait, and the smaller southern colonies, in the Salish Sea, are in the path of proposed tanker routes.